Stolen Memories: Alzheimer's Disease

by Rachel Stace and Rebecca Mellor

Format

Video; Computer Resource; Online Video; Online

Summary

Filmed over ten months, Stolen Memories follows three people in their fifties who have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease. All are married with children and are struggling to come to terms with an incurable illness usually thought of as an "old people s disease". Roger and Chris, a couple with previous marriages behind them, were very much in love when Roger was diagnosed at age 57. Now this formerly extroverted man is isolated at home while Chris works full time to support them both. She has joined a support group which helps her handle her emotions but she is concerned with Chris's growing isolation. Patricia Hollis had brought up five children and was used to managing a large household when Alzheimer's struck. Her husband has now given up his job to share their years together before she loses her ability to recognize him. On top of the resulting financial hardships, the drugs Patricia takes to slow the disease's effects are unsubsidized, costing them hundreds of dollars a month. Michael and Mary have three young children who are having trouble dealing with their father s failing memory. Mary must work full time, managing the household and dealing with her husband s deterioration. Dr. Phil Wood, a geriatric specialist, speaks about the disease and the drug therapy used to slow the disease's progress. Stolen Memories gives sympathetic portraits of couples affected by this relentless disease while, at the same time, informing the public about advances being made in its treatment.

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Filmed over ten months, Stolen Memories follows three people in their fifties who have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer s disease. All are married with children and are struggling to come to terms with an incurable illness usually thought of as an "old people s disease". Roger and Chris, a couple with previous marriages behind them, were very much in love when Roger was diagnosed at age 57. Now this formerly extroverted man is isolated at home while Chris works full time to support them both. She has joined a support group which helps her handle her emotions but she is concerned with Chris's growing isolation. Patricia Hollis had brought up five children and was used to managing a large household when Alzheimer's struck. Her husband has now given up his job to share their years together before she loses her ability to recognize him. On top of the resulting financial hardships, the drugs Patricia takes to slow the disease's effects are unsubsidized, costing them hundreds of dollars a month. Michael and Mary have three young children who are having trouble dealing with their father s failing memory. Mary must work full time, managing the household and dealing with her husband s deterioration. Dr. Phil Wood, a geriatric specialist, speaks about the disease and the drug therapy used to slow the disease's progress. Stolen Memories gives sympathetic portraits of couples affected by this relentless disease while, at the same time, informing the public about advances being made in its treatment.